New Albanian Premier Promises To Fight Corruption

9 September 2005 -- Albania's new prime minister, Sali Berisha, today promised economic reforms and a fight against corruption in his first speech to parliament since the victory of his center-right coalition in July elections.

TIRANA, Sept 9 (NCA) -- Albania's new Prime Minister Sali Berisha today promised economic reforms and a fight against corruption in his first speech to parliament since the victory of his centre-right coalition in July elections. The first post-communist president of Albania who served from 1992-1997, Berisha, 60, whose Democratic party with its allies has won 81 of 140 seats in the parliament, said the "fight against corruption represents a challenge" for his government. Berisha said that at least 1,400 million dollars per year have been embezzled by various officials. Tirana aims to sign an accession agreement with the EU this year. (afp)